John Torode's love letter sparks romance with Lisa Faulkner

In the United Kingdom, John Torode and Lisa Faulkner's relationship began when they met on the television show MasterChef. Lisa was a contestant on the show in 2010, and they quickly developed a friendship. After she won the competition, they worked together on The Good Food Show, which solidified their bond, though initially, neither saw the potential for romance. This changed when John, who had recently separated from his wife, decided to express his feelings for Lisa. To avoid an awkward situation, he chose to write her a letter asking her out to dinner. His method, which he later deemed 'cowardly', allowed John to approach Lisa without the direct risk of rejection. He believed this approach would prevent any discomfort if she did not reciprocate his feelings. Lisa has shared that John’s letter was a pivotal moment in their relationship, marking the transition from friends to partners. After starting to date, they took their time to foster their connection, which has included marriage in 2019. Over time, the couple built a family together, having two children, a son and a daughter. However, their path has not been entirely smooth, as John and his ex-wife had separated some time before he reached out to Lisa. Their relationship has faced public scrutiny, especially with claims about inappropriate comments made by John's fellow judge, Gregg Wallace, on set during filming, which Lisa has previously addressed. John and Lisa have emphasized their affection for each other in various interviews, stating that they enjoy each other's company immensely, which has contributed to the strength of their bond. John's choice to communicate via letter was borne out of hesitation due to his recent separation, showing a complex interplay of personal circumstances that shaped their romantic beginnings.